Weekly updates on all that is fútbol

Jun. 25, 2014

Jermaine Jones' goal against Portugal brought the U.S. back into the game. / Kevin C. Cox/Getty

The 2014 World Cup in Brazil has been nothing short of riveting in its opening weeks. Between the record numbers of goals being scored, goals scored by substitutes, suspect refereeing and overall competitive play in just the group stage alone, this year’s tournament has brought a ton of surprises. With teams like Spain and Italy eliminated early, the USA looks poised to make a run into the later rounds of the tournament, as they already control their own destiny against an extremely tough final opponent in Germany. As the group stage comes to a close at the end of this week, we take a look at how each of the eight groups have stacked up, including who’s moving on to the Round of 16, who’s going home, and how the United States will fare against potential upcoming competition.

Group A

The opening group featuring the host nation of Brazil opened play in Sao Paulo back on June 12th with a controversial win against Croatia, as Oscar netted a called penalty that appeared to be a clear flop in the box. After a scoreless draw against Mexico in their second game thanks to a fantastic performance from the Mexican goalkeeper, Memo Ochoa, the Brazilians have begun to heat up, as their commanding win over final opponent Cameroon saw them top the group. Mexico will also advance, as their wins against Cameroon and Croatia, along with their tie against Brazil, will give them the same 7 points as the Brazilians.

Group B

One of the world’s biggest surprises came in group B when Netherlands blew out Spain 5-1 in the team’s opening match, while at the same time, Chile stifled Australia to quickly put Spain in an uncomfortable position. When it came time for Spain’s game against the Chileans, they saw another 2-0 loss crush their dreams of moving on past the group stage, as the Netherlands also managed a comeback victory against Australia. It took just the first two games for this group to decide itself, as the Netherlands are rolling having won all three of their matches in the group stage. Chile, the second place team, also looks dangerous, as their youth, physicality, and South American support seem to project them as a legitimate dark horse contender. Spain, to almost everyone’s shock, were eliminated before even playing their third game, but they’re not the only European superpower to see their way out of the tournament this early.

Group C

A new threat has become apparent, and it comes from group C, as Columbia has made a statement in the early group stages of this World Cup. With three consecutive victories over Greece, Cote D’Ivoire and Japan, Columbia has emerged as one of the top scoring threats all while introducing a fine young talent in James Rodriguez. Greece also will advance, as a late penalty denied Cote D’Ivoire the draw they’d need to move on, as a solid defensive effort and a typical Greek presence on the field saw them advance in the most improbable of ways.

Group D

Another group fighting for the title as the “group of death”, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Italy and England all matched up in group D, and who would’ve figured they’d finish in that order? Costa Rica, a worldwide surprise, opened their play with a commanding win over the Uruguayans, and followed up their impressive effort with a decisive 1-0 victory over the Italians, making them the unlikely candidate to top the group. A less than impressive showing from England saw their hopes dwindle after their first two losses to Italy and Uruguay. Italy, on the other hand, has entered a great deal of controversy, along with Uruguay and star striker Luis Suarez, as Suarez appeared to have bitten an Italian player, which would make it his third offense of the sort in his time on the pitch. FIFA has already opened an investigation that will likely see Suarez out of the tourney, but a headed goal on a corner kick taken just a minute after the bite was not given a red card, and Uruguay will advance alongside Costa Rica in some of the best unscripted drama thus far in the Cup.

Group E

Group E brings up the first of the final four groups which haven’t finished play yet, as France leads the group above Ecuador and Switzerland, who both need a crucial win against their opponents to determine which will advance. Switzerland will match up against Honduras, who’ve been eliminated as they haven’t won, looking to get their second win after their last minute heroics lifted them over Ecuador in their first game. The Ecuadorians will face an uphill battle against a great looking team in France, but since they’re already almost guaranteed to advance, a narrow Ecuadorian victory could be all it takes.

Group F

In one of the most open groups in the tourney, group F sees Argentina and world star Lionel Messi lead the group, and first time World Cup goers Bosnia and Herzegovina have been knocked out. Iran and Nigeria still sit on the chopping block, but with an Iranian win against the Bosnians and a Nigerian collapse against Argentina in the final games, or visa versa, either team can see their hopes stay alive thanks to the forgiving group.

Group G

Within this “group of death” lies our wonderful USA squad. With a heroic victory over Ghana to avenge their past few losses, the Americans picked up three crucial points in their opening game. They almost managed to do it again against the tough Portuguese opponents, but Cristiano Ronaldo lofted a beautiful cross that was headed in to force the match into a draw. Now controlling their own destiny, the USA look like favorites to finish second in the standing only behind Germany, who they’ll face in Thursday’s match. The Americans need just a win or draw to move on, but cannot afford to let Germany toss them around, as there still is a shot for Portugal as well as Ghana, although their hopes may seem slim, as they also will matchup in the final game of the group.

Group H

The final group features Belgium atop the rankings, as their victories in their first two games will allow them to move on to the knockout round of the World Cup. The Algerians of Africa are in the drivers seat for the final spot, as they seem to be one of the last hopes for Africa in the World Cup. Both the Russians and the Koreans will be looking for victories against these two group leaders in their final match, as they each have one point a piece that can see them to the next round if they’re able to manage a win as the group stage comes to a finish.